By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
In a political switcharoo, U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D) announced yesterday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, and immediately endorsed Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village) as her successor.
The district currently straddles Ventura and La Counties, including Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and is currently fairly purple with voter registration in 2024 when Brownley bested Republican Michael Koslow, 42.5% Democratic, 29.6% Republican and 20.4% independent.
However, after Proposition 50 passed, the district was redrawn, dropping Simi Valley while picking up Hidden Hills and parts of Palmdale, Lancaster, and nearby high-desert areas, making it more of a Democratic stronghold.
“Serving our community and our country has been the honor of my lifetime. Every step of this journey has been shaped by the people I represent, by their resilience, their determination, and their belief that government can and should work for the common good. Together, we have expanded access to affordable health care, strengthened support for veterans and their families, protected our natural resources, confronted the climate crisis, and fought for working families,” said Brownley in her announcement.
“Despite the immense challenges we are currently facing, I remain deeply optimistic about the future of our country. The American experiment has endured not because it is perfect, but because generations of Americans continue to believe in it and work to make it more just, more equal, and more reflective of those it serves. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in that work, and I know we will learn from this moment in time how to shore up our democracy to make it even stronger for the generations that will follow.”
In endorsing Irwin, Brownley said the assemblymember is the best-qualified and prepared candidate to represent the district in Congress.
“Jacqui’s record of standing up for all of us and building coalitions to get things done gives her the experience and tools needed to represent us but also stand up to the Trump administration’s attack on our values and our democracy. I enthusiastically endorse her for Congress,” said Brownley.
In what appeared like a coordinated move, Irwin announced her candidacy to replace Brownley and has already built a well-crafted campaign website. She comes to the race with extensive political experience and a deep knowledge of the district.
“It is with extreme gratitude that I want to thank Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her 7 terms in Congress,” said Irwin. “During my time as Mayor of Thousand Oaks and as State Assemblymember, I saw time and again Julia putting our community first and leading with integrity and grace.
“I am excited to announce I am running to represent the new 26th Congressional District,” Irwin continued. My energy and passion for public service has never been stronger. I am ready to stand up for our district and state in Congress, fighting Trump’s assault on our democracy and values while prioritizing public safety, affordability, and the needs of Ventura County.
According to the Los Angeles Times, four Republican candidates had already announced plans to challenge Brownley this year, including Koslow.
